Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry Is An Option For Kids, Too: Procedures That Are Suitable For Improving Your Child's Smile

17 November 2017

Diane Mason

If your child is unsatisfied with the appearance of his or her smile, you'll be happy to know that cosmetic dentistry is an option even for children. However, there are some special considerations that your dentist will discuss with you. The first is that some procedures are unsuitable for children simply because their teeth are not yet finished growing. These procedures include dental implants and partial dentures. The other consideration to keep in mind is that some procedures, such as putting in crowns or veneers, will require the removal of significant amounts of enamel and change the structure of your child's teeth. While this is usually not an issue with adults, removing large amounts of enamel has the potential to weaken teeth and cause dental problems later in your child's life. Other procedures, such as bleaching, are considered entirely safe for children. When it comes to improving your child's smile, it's important to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss all available options.

Bleaching Is A Safe Option To Whiten Your Child's Teeth

One of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures performed on children is bleaching, which is used to whiten your child's teeth. The typical method of bleaching is to fill a dental tray with a small amount of concentrated peroxide solution that will remove any stains on the top layer or your child's teeth and make them whiter. Although gum irritation is a common side effect from bleaching, especially in children, it does not cause any damage to the structure of your child's teeth and is considered a safe procedure for children.

Microabrasion Gently Removes Small Discolorations On Teeth

If your child has small but noticeable discolorations on his or her teeth, microabrasion can be performed to remove them. These discolorations are often caused by trauma to the enamel layer of the tooth and cannot be removed by brushing alone. Instead, a dentist uses very small amounts of acid to abrade the discolored portion of the enamel layer, removing the discoloration. Since only a very small amount of enamel is removed, microabrasion does not cause significant damage to your child's teeth, making this a safe cosmetic dental procedure for kids.

Chipped Or Fractured Teeth Can Be Treated With Cosmetic Bonding

A chipped or fractured tooth can be very noticeable and cause your child to be ashamed of his or her smile. Repairing a damaged tooth using cosmetic bonding can increase your child's self-esteem, but in addition to that can also improve your child's overall dental health. Chips and cracks in teeth provide an excellent place for bacteria to hide, which can contribute to plaque buildup and gum disease.

In children, the typical approach to correcting fractured or chipped teeth is to bond a composite resin to the tooth. This plastic resin is colored in a lab to perfectly match the color of your child's teeth and will last for a number of years. Bonding is the safest method to use in children because it requires the removal of very little enamel. Veneers and crowns are longer-lasting options but require more drastic changes to the structure of your child's teeth. Discuss all the potential options for repairing chipped or cracked teeth with your child's cosmetic dentist to find the right solution for you; often, it's best to stick with composite resin bonding to avoid damaging your child's teeth and potentially causing dental problems later in your child's life. 

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